When I posted the picture of my revamped studio did you notice the paintings? The best one, the one near the center, isn’t mine. The other, the red and purple one on the right, is mine. Looking at that photo made me go back and take a look at the painting and it’s history.
Over a decade ago I was in the middle of one of my periods of photography discovery. My Olympus E-10 went with me every where. This camera didn’t have a removable lens, but in every other way it acted much like an SLR. I kept the camera on full manual controls and shot only RAW images. Yes, I was one of those types of photographers.
I once spent a few hours photographing the train trestle in my town. I played with perspective and different camera settings. I went through every aperture available, taking the same shot with different settings. A bridge like this is a great way to get to know your camera.
Just after I did this photo-shoot I decided to use one of the photographs as the basis of a painting. I’ll admit that I really like the painting. Unfortunately no one else seems to like it. I also have to say I spent a lot of time trying to get this photo to look right on the screen but can’t. It is much darker but when I darken the photo it looks even less like the painting than this. Oh well, you should get the general idea.
Without the reference photo it looks like an abstract.
I had the idea to go back and take more photos and do more paintings, but a friend of mine dissuaded me saying it was the most awful work I’d ever done. What do you think? Should I have ignored his advice and done more photo sessions and paintings or was it best to just leave it?
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I really like that painting, I don’t see a bridge but I see figures dancing/in the wind. Don’t let others discourage you.
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Thanks Solveig! I think it is abstract enough the viewer can see they want.
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Okay, I think in the right market that painting could have fetched a pretty penny. Not everyone gets abstract. But I like it. :)
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Thanks Serins! Different people have different tastes. I think I’d have to make a name before people would pay too much for it. It’s been propped in a corner for a few years but now it’s taking it’s place in my little studio.
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I always take pictures of the RR Trellis bridges that I see they are so unique and the rust is amazing. Great picture Trent.
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Thanks Sonya. Yeah, they’re fun to photograph.
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I agree with Tina. Perhaps it wasn’t your best work, but how can you improve without practice? I think the idea of painting from photos is really cool. Who cares is no one else likes it. Do what inspires you. :)
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Back when I used to paint more I did most of my work from photos, at least when I wasn’t in a class. I also tried to pick things that looked abstract. That was long ago and his “rebuke” doesn’t bother me anymore, I just find it interesting to look back at it.
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Oh absolutely, I agree. Time goes on, people change. It definitely is interesting to look back on, though.
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I’m one of those odd folks who thinks you should do what you enjoy doing regardless of anyone’s opinion of the quality of the work. Opinions change depending on the person but if you’re having fun then YOU’RE Having fun. :)
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This was an art gallery owner friend and at the time I half hoped to have something of mine in his gallery ;) Truthfully I haven’t had the paints out in many years, but it is interesting to look back at it.
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